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Maria Martorell, 36, of Manchester, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Route 110 toward Methuen when her car drifted over the yellow line, causing four cars to crash into each other shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said.
Maria Rivera Mercado, 82, a passenger in the Jeep driven by Martorell, died at the scene.
A total of 10 people were involved in the crash, and the eight other passengers were rushed to local hospitals with various injuries.
Martorell smelled of alcohol and was showing signs of impairment at the scene, according to first responders.
She was also taken to the hospital, where she was arraigned on the charges of:
- Negligent operation while under the influence causing motor vehicle homicide
- Operating under the influence, 2nd offense
- Operating under the influence causing child endangerment
- Negligent operation
- A marked lanes violation
Martorell is set to appear in court for a dangerousness hearing on Monday, Jan. 29, in Lowell District Court.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
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